locker for snow?

Those are a hybrid system where the center differential can be overridden.

 

I didn't use any last year, but I put an Ariens snowblower in the bed a few times (which I believe weighs around 200 lbs) and noticed the difference when it was there. This year I put 4-50 lb bags over the rear axle. No snow yet, but that plus 4x4 plus snow tires should be a great combination.

 

Semantics. They are center diffs with electronically/hydraulically controlled clutches; i.e. the best type of AWD systems. I don't think anyone is arguing that the on-demand Haldex system in say a CR-V is the ultimate AWD system for snow.

My argument is that the best AWD systems are vastly superior to 4WD in snow. I make no claims about the worst AWD systems, other than they give soccer moms peace of mind.

 

Exactly....good point

 

What then, is your definition of "vastly superior"? Put an audi or subaru into 2 feet of snow and it doesn't matter what kind of amazing awd it has, its not going anywhere. Or when you're in less snow but just plain slippery conditions... if you're going faster than a Tacoma can safely drive (I'm choosing the word "drive" very specifically here...) on equivalent tires, then you can't stop safely. Means that you aren't getting anything out of that "vast" superiority, because you can't use it safely.

 

Yeah, I love people arguing with generic comments like "AWD (or 4WD) is best for snow!" Each system will have a place where it is better. Maybe it's best to just leave it at that.

 

Very true.
Put a snow plow on an AWD if you feel like blowing it up by the end of the night.
We have an AWD (Subaru) and it is great. But what makes it great is that its simple and thoughtless. I don't have to explain to my wife about spinning out on a back wheel drive truck. And while it won't go where the Tacoma does (regardless of who argues that it will), it is still *very* competent.

 

Who cares , the thread is about lockers in snow

 

Good in the ditch/offroad and bad at speed on a road with slippery conditions. Well, I'm glad that's over. Someone can close this thread now

 

Like everything else, it is going to degenerate into a more interesting conversation than the initial question would imply.

 

That Audi in post #55 seemed to be going somewhere fast in 2ft of snow. Not that I recommend such behavior if you care about the condition of your vehicle, but you have the option.

When driving in icy/slushy conditions, it's easiest/safest to have a system where the tires with the most traction are getting the torque. With a good AWD system, that happens automatically. In a Taco, you have to put weight in the bed then constantly switch from 2Hi to 4Hi, then you get stuck and have to engage 4Lo and the locker, then you get unstuck and have to disengage one then the other, etc. Driving in these conditions is taxing enough when you don't have to micromanage your drivetrain.

Regardless, I think we're actually in agreement about this issue. Each has its place.

 

In 7 ft of snow your supertacoma isn't going anywhere either. We're talking about regular snow covered roads, the kind you might find when out driving. Not roads that are unmaintained all winter. Awd such as audis or subarus are going to be the best choice on those roads assuming tires are the same

 

Not the kind of situation I was referring to and you know it. With enough inertia, that audi will make it through the walls of fort knox. I don't know if it has enough power to get up to that kind of speed though. And the US government probably doesn't care, since they won't even have to put the bullet in the driver's head.

Uhm, well since you mention it, a Tacoma actually *does* that. At least if its 2009+. The main difference is only the degree to which the front and rear axles are bound together, and if the conditions are slippery enough to justify 4wd, then the road surface itself can provide the "give" that you need to be able to steer.

You know something, I get this feeling with most of the "high end" AWD's, that the purpose in those AWD systems isn't actually offroad traction as you and I find important. Things like a Subaru WRX don't really scream "offroad" or "deep snow". Maybe the more "Family" oriented part of their lineup, like Forester and Outback, which actually have some decent ground clearance and a fighting chance in the deep, but those don't get their "super duper ultimate" edition of AWD. They get a straight up mechanical viscous coupling center differential... which works brilliantly in the snow. I think that when you're putting absurd amounts of power down to the pavement, these super duper awd's jobs are actually to maintain traction and control *on the track*.

I've never encountered any conditions that suggest a need to "constantly" switch back and forth. If the snow gets deep enough to justify the 4wd, it won't be so localized that you are going in and out. And I'm also unclear about why you would expect 4low and locker to get you unstuck easier than 4high. 4high is actually your best bet for getting unstuck in snow, since you have access to TRAC/ALSD on both axles. In 4low, you're stuck with open diffs except if you happen to have the "offroad" trim.

For the most part we are in agreement, and yeah obviously, each for its own best application.

 

Who said 7?
I said 2. Enough to stop an AWD car dead, but not enough to stop a 4x4 truck.
Two is an important number because it is a "pretty good storm", but not "storm of the century" when all of the roads are closed.
And if you haven't had to get through a driveway full of snow, then you're obviously not from a snowy place, which is confusing, since your profile says "IN, PA", which I assume to mean you have places in Indiana and Pennsylvania, both typically get some decent snow.

 

you guys. i drove in thick snow with my 02 2wd regcab with reg tires(not new) and in my 10 dcsb prerunner with AT Hankooks. both no weight on bed. both driven normal speed. it actually felt like the snow was providing traction. this was in Eastern NC.

 

Vehicles like a Subaru Outback and Forester have just under 10" of ground clearance. Yea, trying to go thru 2 feet of snow in a lowered WRX isn't gonna work. But in something like an Outback or Forester (their two best selling models) I feel like it'd be fine in. If you look at the new trucks with their bumper spoiler flapper thing, that isn't much higher than 10" off the ground anyway.

 

Actually it is, but FYI: I *OWN* a Forester AND a Tacoma. I promise you that there is no following the Tacoma with the Forester through deep snow.

 

I can't find the picture of the snow I unintentionally went through when I had my Outback.

I took a road they don't plow, one side didn't have a bank piled up, the other did. I decided to go around because it looked level with the road, forgetting there was a ditch so it was easily 2+ feet of snow. Opened my door and pushed a pile with it. Figured I was done for, almost didn't even bother trying to get out.

Well, traction control off, back and forth a few times, and the thing plowed right through out of the ditch back onto the road. I was running Yoko Geolandar A/T-S tires at the time.

Having said that, the Tacoma probably would have just driven through. Worst case maybe back and forth once rather than 5-6 times.

 

Oh wow, this thread.

Look, we all get it. Subaru, Audi, Nissan, etc etc, well everyone to be honest, has come out with some really efficient AWD systems. Can they get through but tons of snow? Yup. Are they the end all be all and should replace 4WD? Nope. Can both of them drive through some extreme conditions safely? Yup. Will some situations benefit one or the other? Yup.

End of story IMHO. I've owned a few AWD vehicles. When I was in town I really liked the AWD. When I was on the highway though if I even felt a little slip all I could think of was not being able to get out of the ditch.

 

its funny seeing everyone argue about this now lol.

Here's the best idea for when it snows and the roads are bad. ADJUST YOUR FUCKING DRIVING.
Slow the fuck down, give space for braking, and don't try and pull crazy maneuvers.

AWD will likely be better yes, because most of those systems are smart and will send power to where you have the best grip. But if you know how to drive and you have good tires, no need to be so paranoid and worried. Just be a smart responsible driver. Take your time, don't speed, and leave some space so if you need to stop you can.